An end to the Ketel Marte situation may be in sight.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that the star second baseman is on track to be activated off the 10-day injured list early next week. That came after Marte posted an Instagram video of a workout at Salt River Fields, the team’s Spring Training complex, while wearing team gear.
Cleared to take batting practice, Marte could be back as soon as next Tuesday’s series opener at home against the Phillies.
“There’s definitely a strategy to getting him back on the field, get him healthy, continue to get that build-up,” Lovullo said.
“If it’s possible to get him ready for Philly, we would definitely take the at-bats.”
Marte, 32, was placed on the IL on Thursday (Aug. 20) with left knee inflammation. He was first placed on the restricted list at the start of last week after he did not show up at Fenway Park for the series opener against the Red Sox, initially explained that he was dealing with a “personal issue.”
He then underwent an MRI that revealed the inflammation in his knee. Marte had previously missed the Aug. 15 game while dealing with knee soreness but returned on Aug. 16, playing second base.
Lovullo and general manager Mike Hazen met with Marte and his agent on Thursday, when Marte went on the IL, in what was described as a “very productive meeting.” The Arizona manager said Monday that he has not talked to Marte since then.
Marte was also pictured on social media at Talking Stick Casino in Scottsdale during the Diamondbacks’ home win Friday night over the Reds. While Marte was not breaking team rules or doing something illegal -- rehabbing players are not required to attend games -- Lovullo on Saturday acknowledged it was “not a choice [he] would make.”
Lovullo was asked Monday if it becomes harder for Marte to address his teammates the longer he stays.
“We’re trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back into this environment,” Lovullo said. “That’s up to him, however he wants to do it. I cannot force a human being to do something that I want to do, or anybody in this room wants to do, or a fan wants to do.”
After Monday’s 7-0 loss to the Cubs, the Diamondbacks sit two games behind the Padres for the third National League Wild Card spot. Marte’s impending return would certainly be a boost to their chase.
“I’m allowing him to have his space,” Lovullo said. “When it’s time, it’ll be time.”